EDITORIAL: Time to examine grading of schools

When Indiana two years ago went to an A-F grading system for assessing individual schools, the thinking among supporters was that it would be easier for just about everyone, including parents, to understand. Nothing is much simpler than A-F. However, what just about everyone has learned since then is that while the grades are simple, it is extremely difficult to determine how one schools gets an "A" and another gets a "C".

Indiana's new Superintent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz came into office in January opposing the grading system, and earlier pointed out in an Associated Press report that using it wasn't effective when trying to track both student performance and whether or not they were improving.

Democrat Ritz has been at odds with Republicans on a number of issues, but it appears that on this one, there may be some bipartisan agreement that something needs to be changed. It was reported Friday by the AP that bills to scrap the A-F grading system were dropped, but that Republican Speaker of the House Brian Bosma said lawmakers would take up the system later in the session. Bosma said he believes most legislators believe the Indiana State Board of Education needs to make changes in the grading system.

He said he expects lawmakers will order a review of the grading scale. That makes good sense.